Capitalism Vs. Socialism

Two very opposing systems of running the economy. America's economy is one of the things that have made us a world power and capitalism has been an important tool in that. But with the current financial crisis one could make the arguement that socialism is a better alternative. What are your thoughts?

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by lowkey on May 22, 2009 at 1:14pm

It seems that almost everyone agrees that corporations in the US have too much influence with the government. Now most people have proposed various ways of controlling the corporations but that doesn't address the root cause of the problem. The core issue that needs to be fixed is that our legislators are so easily bought off by the corporations or anyone with lots of money.

This is why trying to use the power of government to change this behavior is inevitably destined to fail. Any new regulations that are proposed will face an onslaught of lobbying and influence peddling that will make sure the regulation that passes is completely ineffectual or has so many loopholes that it's easy to get around.

This is also the reason that higher tax rates for the rich generally don't bring in as much revenue as anticipated. The rich can afford to influence the legislators writing the new laws to include a few loopholes for them. This is what created the trust fund regulations that allow families like the Kennedys to avoid much of the tax burden they would otherwise be obligated to pay.

As PJ O'Rourke said "When buying and selling are controlled by legislation, the first things to be bought and sold are legislators."

This is especially troubling given the trend in recent elections to longer and more expensive campaigns. The more money it takes to run for office, the more opportunities there are for companies to bribe the candidates before they're even in office.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris on May 24, 2009 at 11:47am

I don't understand why everyone is jumping on the bandwagon against the current economy. Yes, we are in a recession. Yes, it's going to be bad, but the economy itself isn't to blame, the people are. They made the bad choices, they didn't pay attention and they ultimately allowed those above to do what they did.

Obviously our government has a lot of problems managing money, and some of the services it provides are outdated, but the core of the economy is the best you are going to get.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Salient Skivvy on May 25, 2009 at 4:38pm

I honestly don't see the economy getting better until we change the way we run it.
We are running our of space, food, water, and resources. Soon it will be a battle for everything.
All in all what goes up must come down, and when you put the human growth on a graph the results scare the shit out of me. We are heading towards disaster.
Jumping the bandwagon? If that's how your going to put it, this will be the first trend I hope people actually follow.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris on June 4, 2009 at 11:35pm

You make no reference to anything that is an actual solution. I didn't say the current situation we have is the best idealistic economy available, but thats just it, any other model is idealistic and ultimately impossible. I believe the way the economy is run now is the best you are going to get, minor changes withholding.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Salient Skivvy on June 5, 2009 at 6:16am

Well first off, our economy is largley dependent on the auto industry.. which is very outdated. I say let the auto industry collapse and let way for new technology that is not based on non-renewable resources.
Second, the way the banks control the money in the world; people will never be out of debt. Ever. It is impossible, because every dollar that exists belongs to someone else.. Something needs to be done about this system that is only holding society down.
There's a couple ideas that come off the top of my head..

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Salient Skivvy on June 5, 2009 at 5:45pm

I thought this was funny, and it goes with what I just said... http://www.gmretardation.com/

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Tyler Prud'Homme on July 1, 2009 at 12:08pm

Ever heard of the venus project?
It's the solution that can be made possible
with technology we have available today..
Many people SAY it's 'impossible' to do many things..
But they also said it was impossible to fly.
If we shift our attitude from 'making money' or 'profit no-matter what',
OF COURSE we'll be able to save ourselves..
But if the public continues to think that money is sublime,
we're screwing ourselves over..
-Burning our bridges, if you will...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Justin on May 25, 2009 at 7:25pm

If you look at capitalism it encourages over production,which will eventually lead the economy to crash.That is a problem that takes a while to realize.In the short term it drives prices down for many crops and whatnot,in effect devastating third world nations that cannot compete.Look at the School of the Americas in the state of Georgia.We have trained numerous (a frightening amount actually) of people from latin America that return to their homelands and then instruct armies to fight against socialist leaders that were democratically elected and are helping the poor of that nation.Many of them have wiped out villages of men,women,and children.Purposelly killing women and children.People we trained with U.S. tax dollars assasinated a Catholic Cardinal for speaking out against the genocide of civillians,they did him in with training we gave them.Graduates of that school lined up five reporters and cut off their genitals,putting them in there own mouths before shooting them.Welcome to the capitalist U.S.A,where we do anything to keep exploiting the poor.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Gangster on June 12, 2009 at 11:32am

It's fun to do things that feel proactive and constructive, but there is no way to beat the system from the outside. We need to get involved internally with politics. The best way(s) are starting with local politics- mayoral and city council- and internships even up to state and national levels. Writing "concerned" letters has never made a difference, and I think it's safe to say that neither will blogs and websites.

We need to start training future politicians now, before they are completely bought out by the powers that be.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by VW on June 12, 2009 at 11:38am

I think we have Corporatism vs Capitalism & Socialism is just another form of Corporatism as it is mostly the bankers who have benefited from the little bit of socialism in America.... that's what happens when Corporations are given the rights of personhood!